When comparing a traditional funeral vs cremation, several factors come into play, including cost, customization options, and comfort for the family and loved ones. The choice is highly personal. Here are things to consider when deciding between traditional burial and cremation services.
Traditional Funeral vs Cremation
Before continuing this topic, it’s important to consider the meaning of a “traditional” funeral. Some people view a funeral as traditional if the deceased’s casketed body is present during the visitation. Others equate the word “traditional” with “religious.”
It’s important to note that you can choose cremation and still have the physical body present at a service. The body can be preserved with embalming fluid and placed in a rented casket. Following the visitation or “wake,” the body can be cremated, and the cremated remains will be returned to the family at a later date.
It’s also important to note that the funeral arrangements are up to the deceased’s family. You can choose to have a religious or “traditional” service following cremation if you wish. You can even have a traditional burial service and bury the cremated remains in a cemetery plot.
Funeral homes offer a variety of service options.
Now, let’s consider the cost, customization options, and comfort of burial and cremation.
Overview: Traditional Burial vs Direct Cremation Services
- Direct cremation is more affordable than traditional burial.
- Because you aren’t limited on where you can hold the end-of-life services, cremation offers more customization options.
- The choice between burial and cremation is very personal. Carefully consider which option gives you the most comfort when making a decision.
Cost of traditional burial and cremation
- Traditional Funerals: Traditional funerals can be more expensive due to various factors such as embalming, casket costs, funeral home services, and cemetery fees. There are sometimes increased transportation costs with burial. At the cemetery, the family is responsible for purchasing the plot, opening and closing the grave, buying a burial vault, and having the headstone engraved and placed.
- Cremation: Cremation is generally more cost effective than traditional funerals. Costs can vary depending on whether there’s a viewing or memorial service, the type of urn chosen, and the final resting place of the remains. Direct cremation is typically the least expensive option for families.
In direct cremation, the family members say goodbye to their loved one at the place of death. The body is then transported to the cremation provider. The cremated remains (or cremains) are returned to the family after the cremation process.
Customization options
- Traditional Funerals: Traditional funerals often follow a set format with visitation, funeral service, procession to the cemetery, and burial. While there can be some customization in terms of music, readings, and personal tributes, the overall structure is fairly standard.
- Cremation: Cremation offers more flexibility for customization. Families can choose to have a memorial service before or after the cremation, scatter ashes in a meaningful location, keep the ashes in a cremation urn, or even create memorial jewelry or art with a portion of the ashes.
Comfort
- Traditional Funerals: Traditional funerals provide a structured environment for family and friends to gather, share memories, and receive support from the community. However, some people prefer other methods of saying goodbye.
- Cremation: Cremation can offer comfort in various ways. Families can create personalized memorials that reflect the life and personality of the deceased, and they have more flexibility in choosing how and where to remember their loved ones.
Ultimately, the choice between a traditional funeral and cremation depends on your personal preference, cultural or religious beliefs, budget considerations, and the desire for customization and comfort during the grieving process. It’s worth noting that according to the National Funeral Directors Association, more Americans are choosing cremation over traditional burials.
If you are concerned about funeral costs but don’t want to sacrifice excellent customer service, consider Smart Cremation. Smart Cremation offers direct cremations in California, Washington, Oregon, Texas, Arizona, Florida, and Nevada. We provide immediate need services or can help those who are ready to create an end-of-life plan. Contact a Smart Cremation funeral director today to learn if a simple cremation is right for you.
